A new lounge is opening in Sherman Oaks that will pay tribute to some of music’s greatest rock legends, while also reinventing many forgotten cocktails. Hidden (literally you will need to know what to look for), behind and directly above the newly opened Tipple & Brine, with a secret entrance marked only by a dimly lit blue light, Tunnel Bar (14633 Venture Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403; 828.528.3434) will make its official debut this Thursday!
The hideaway cocktail bar is owned and inspired by Richard DiSisto, Principal of Vantage Restaurant Group and Owner of the newly opened Tipple & Brine. Tunnel Bar is a throwback to the 1970s music era with Daniel Zacharczuk (Tipple & Brine, Varnish and Honeycut) spearheading the cocktail program, while working alongside some of L.A.’s top barmen including Christopher Day (Tipple & Brine and Honeycut), and Edwin Osegueda (Caña Rum Bar).
It is in the definitely in DiSisto’s design of Tunnel Bar, that you feel as though you are back in the 1970s. The decor includes red leather banquets, leather covered bar stools, a tunnel brick covered bar, walls lined with framed photos of 70’s rock legends Johnny Thunders, Iggy Pop, Johnny Ramone and Patti Smith. Tunnel Bar is the perfect hideaway to indulge in fine spirits, and expertly crafted cocktails, while listening to great music.
Kicking off the list of reimagined cocktail classics is the Elder Fashioned; a take on the Old Fashioned, with Plymouth gin, St. Germain, orange bitters and a grapefruit twist. Then, there is the Cuba Reformé, a spin on the classic Cuba Libre that pairs Plymouth Sloe Gin, coke, lime and Angostura bitters. Next up is the Stinger (modern take on the French 75), created in 1917 and once considered an ideal nightcap in New York City, is comprised of Pierre Ferrand 1840 cognac, Tempus Fugit Crème de Menthe, Dolin Dry Vermouth and mint. You don’t need to travel to New Orleans for a Hurricane, here they make it with a blend of El Dorado 5 year rum, Appleton Estate V/X Rum, Plantation 3 Stars Silver Rum, passion fruit, orange, lime and grenadine. Also, amping up the original, the Alabama Slammer is made of Lazzaroni Amaretto, Plymouth Sloe Gin, Plantation 3 Stars Silver Rum, fresh orange. New cocktails include the Sister Ray with Rittenhouse Rye, Appleton Estate V/X Rum, Lustau Sherry Dry Amontillado, Velvet Falernum and Angostura bitters. The Vasco Rickey, which is a blend of Olmeca Altos blanco tequila, Amaro Montenegro, Licor 43, lime and seltzer, and another favorite on the list is the Pacific Profiteer with Encanto Pisco, lemon, nutmeg and Kübler Absinthe.
They also have a combo of classic and original punches that are served over a giant block of ice. These Punches are perfect for groups of two to six to share. For starters, there is the Zeine Punch that combines Pierre Ferrand 1840 cognac, Maraschino, pineapple and lime, followed by the Red Lemon Branch Punch with Bulleit Bourbon, Campari, lemon, grapefruit and champagne. Lastly, the Fish House Punch features Pierre Ferrand 1840 cognac, El Dorado 5-year rum, Smith & Cross Rum, Giffard Crème Pêche de Vigne, lemon and seltzer.
Open Thursday-Saturday, 8 pm-2 am. Just go behind Tipple & Brine and look for the blue light.
Photo Credit: acuna-hansen
